Light fixture with pivotable optic
A light module for a light fixture includes a light assembly, a bezel extending at least partially around the light assembly and secured to the light assembly, and a pinion. The bezel and the light assembly are at least partially pivotable about a first axis. The bezel includes an outer surface and a first gear surface extending along at least a portion of the outer surface. The pinion includes a second gear surface engaging the first gear surface, and rotation of the pinion causes the bezel and the light assembly to rotate about the first axis.
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This application claims the benefit of prior-filed, co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/280,278, filed Jan. 19, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUNDThe present application relates to light fixtures, and particularly to light fixtures with an adjustable optic.
SUMMARYConventional light fixtures include one or more light-emitting elements. These light-emitting elements may include a light-emitting diode or LED. The light-emitting elements may be secured to the fixture in a specific orientation such that the emitted light is aimed in a desired direction.
In one aspect, a light module for a light fixture includes a light assembly, a bezel extending at least partially around the light assembly and secured to the light assembly, and a pinion. The bezel and the light assembly are at least partially pivotable about a first axis. The bezel includes an outer surface and a first gear surface extending along at least a portion of the outer surface. The pinion includes a second gear surface engaging the first gear surface, and rotation of the pinion causes the bezel and the light assembly to rotate about the first axis.
In another aspect, a light fixture includes a support structure including a socket and a light module positioned within the socket. The light module includes a light assembly, a bezel extending at least partially around the light assembly and secured to the light assembly, and a pinion. The bezel and the light assembly are at least partially pivotable about a first axis. The bezel includes an outer surface and a first gear surface extending along at least a portion of the outer surface. The pinion includes a second gear surface engaging the first gear surface, and rotation of the pinion causes the bezel and the light assembly to rotate about the first axis.
Other aspects of the application will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “mounted,” “connected” and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting and coupling. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical or hydraulic connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. Also, electronic communications and notifications may be performed using any known means including direct connections, wireless connections, etc.
As shown in
An intermediate portion of each strut 22 between the upper end 26 and the lower end 30 forms a spiral or helical shape extending radially outwardly from the fixture axis 34 and extending partially around the fixture axis 34. In the illustrated embodiment, each strut 22 extends approximately 180 degrees about the fixture axis 34. In other embodiments, each strut 22 may be extend through an angle of fewer or more than 180 degrees about the axis 34. In some embodiments, each strut 22 may extend completely around the axis 34, or each strut 22 may extend more than 360 degrees about the axis 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixture 10 includes four struts 22; in other embodiments, the fixture may include fewer or more struts. A space or void is centered on the axis 34 and is formed between the intermediate portions of the struts 22. Stated another way, the space is somewhat enclosed by the struts 22, although the space is accessible via gaps between the struts 22.
As shown in
Referring again to
As shown in
In one embodiment, the light assembly 58 is inserted into the enclosure 62 such that the optic 82 is positioned within the opening 106. The light assembly 58 is then secured to the enclosure 62 (for example, by a sonic welding process). The light assembly 58 and enclosure 62 may then be coupled to one side of the bracket 54, securing the enclosure 62, light assembly 58, and bracket 54 together.
As shown in
Referring again to
To adjust the orientation of the light from the light module 42, the retainer 130 should be at least partially untightened relative to the socket 44 of the fixture 10 in order to permit rotation of the enclosure 62. A tool is then inserted into the socket 120 to rotate the pinion 118 until the enclosure 62 and optic 82 are in a desired orientation. This adjustment may be performed during initial manufacture and assembly of the fixture 10 or it may be performed during installation of the light fixture on site. The rotatable light module 42 allows a user to customize the light distribution from the fixture 10 and achieve a desired light output.
Although certain aspects have been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects as described.
Claims
1. A light module for a light fixture, the light module comprising:
- a light assembly;
- a bezel positioned in substantially the same plane as the light assembly and extending at least partially around the light assembly and secured to the light assembly, the bezel and the light assembly being at least partially pivotable about a first axis orthogonal to the plane, the bezel including an outer surface and a first gear surface extending along at least a portion of the outer surface; and
- a pinion including a second gear surface engaging the first gear surface, rotation of the pinion causes the bezel and the light assembly to rotate about the first axis; and
- a retainer including a surface for bearing against the bezel to secure the bezel and the light assembly within a socket of the light fixture, wherein tightening the retainer relative to the socket prevents rotation of the bezel.
2. The light module of claim 1, wherein the light assembly includes a reflective surface for directing light in a predetermined direction, wherein rotation of the bezel and the light assembly changes the orientation of the reflective surface.
3. The light module of claim 1, wherein the pinion is a spur gear rotatable about a second axis.
4. The light module of claim 1, wherein the pinion includes a slot configured to receive a tool for rotating the pinion at least partially about a second axis.
5. The light module of claim 1, wherein the first gear surface extends along the entire perimeter of the bezel, the bezel and the light assembly being rotatable through 360degrees about the first axis.
6. The light module of claim 1, wherein the light assembly includes a circuit board and a light-emitting diode supported on the circuit board.
7. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein the bezel includes a reflective material for directing light emitted by the light assembly.
8. A light fixture comprising:
- a support structure including a socket; and
- a light module positioned within the socket, the light module including a light assembly, a bezel positioned in substantially the same plane as the light assembly and extending at least partially around the light assembly and secured to the light assembly, the bezel and the light assembly being at least partially pivotable about a first axis orthogonal to the plane, the bezel including an outer surface and a first gear surface extending along at least a portion of the outer surface, and a pinion including a second gear surface engaging the first gear surface, rotation of the pinion causes the bezel and the light assembly to rotate about the first axis; and a retainer including a surface for bearing against the bezel to secure the bezel and the light assembly within a socket of the light fixture, wherein tightening the retainer relative to the socket prevents rotation of the bezel.
9. The light fixture of claim 8, wherein the light assembly includes a reflective surface for directing light in a predetermined direction, wherein rotation of the bezel and the light assembly changes the orientation of the reflective surface.
10. The light fixture of claim 8, wherein the pinion is a spur gear rotatable about a second axis.
11. The light fixture of claim 8, wherein the pinion includes a slot configured to receive a tool for rotating the pinion at least partially about a second axis.
12. The light fixture of claim 8, wherein the first gear surface extends along the entire perimeter of the bezel, the bezel and the light assembly being rotatable through 360degrees about the first axis.
13. The light fixture of claim 8, wherein the support structure includes a plurality of helical struts, each strut including at least one socket.
14. The light fixture of claim 13, wherein each strut includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end, a fixture axis extending between the first end and the second end, wherein each strut extends in a helical manner at least partially around the fixture axis, the intermediate portions being radially spaced apart from the fixture axis.
15. The light fixture of claim 14, wherein each strut includes multiple sockets, the sockets in each strut being offset from one another in a direction parallel to the fixture axis and angularly offset from one another about the fixture axis.
16. The light fixture of claim 8, wherein the bezel includes a reflective material for directing light emitted by the light assembly.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Jan 18, 2017
Date of Patent: Sep 24, 2019
Patent Publication Number: 20170205050
Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated (Shelton, CT)
Inventors: Michael S. Neuer (Covina, CA), Dean B. Dal Ponte (Glendale, CA)
Primary Examiner: Matthew J. Peerce
Application Number: 15/408,898
International Classification: B60Q 1/26 (20060101); F21V 14/02 (20060101); F21S 8/08 (20060101); F21V 14/04 (20060101); F21V 23/00 (20150101); F21V 19/02 (20060101); F21Y 115/10 (20160101); F21V 5/00 (20180101); F21V 5/08 (20060101); F21V 13/04 (20060101);